Talking about taste: How do oncology clinicians discuss and document taste problems?

Abstract

Taste changes are frequently reported by patients undergoing cancer treatment. Taste problems are difficult to assess and treat in the clinical oncology setting. This two-part study aimed to determine the use of terminology in the verbal and written assessment and treatment of taste problems in oncology patients. Two research methods were utilised: a retrospective audit of dietitians' medical note entries (n=200) for 30 patients with head and neck cancer and; a qualitative interview study of oncology clinicians (n=23). The word 'taste' was used by the researcher as a generic term for taste and flavour. Clinicians use the word 'taste' when referring to issues concerning the wider pheonema of ..